David Element's Wildlife Web Page Flies 17 - Hoverflies 11 Myathropa florea

David Element

Wildlife Photography

and Digital Video Images

________ Flies 17 - Hoverflies 11 Myathropa florea

HOVERFLY Myathropa florea

Although this common hoverfly is relatively easy to recognise by its colour pattern this is the exception rather than the rule as there are many other superficially similar species. Close scrutiny of the structural features and comparison with entomological identification keys are essential for the authoritative identification of the majority of flies - and in total there are about 7,000 species to separate! This may not be the end of the story as there are still unresolved classifications, even in the British fly fauna, one of the most exhaustively studied groups of insects. The total is flexible as additional species may arrive from continental Europe or elsewhere by natural or artificial means and others may become extinct. As can be imagined the process of recording and monitoring the distribution of British flies is the preserve of a select number of expert entomologists.